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Evo Morales calls on the opposition to unite efforts in favour of Bolivia

La Paz, August 10 (Notimex) – The president of Bolivia, Evo Morales, today convoked the prefects to work in a united fashion and initiate a process of dialogue with the aim of opening a process of national reconciliation that puts an end to the institutional crisis.

Thanking his ratification in a speech from the balcony of the Palacio Quemado, headquarters of the executive power, Morales said that it is important to unite Bolivians and considered that the vote this Sunday is to unite the east and the west, the peoples, the rich and poor zones. From Plaza Murillo, in the centre of La Paz, he committed himself to respecting the results of the regions and asked to unite the constitution, which he is promoting, with the autonomy statutes, that the prefects of the regions of Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz and Tarija have emitted.

What has happened today in Bolivia is something important not only for Bolivians but for all Latin Americans... he said.

In a measured and conciliatory speech, Morales pointed out that the referendum this Sunday is a triumph for the democratic revolution.

He used the opportunity to congratulate the prefects ratified in their posts and called on them to working in a joint way in order to attend the demands of diverse sectors in the country.

“I convoke all the prefects to work for the unity of Bolivians and to work respecting Bolivian norms” expressed the head of state.

Morales recalled that it is an obligation of the president, vice president and ministers, together with the departmental and municipal authorities, to guarantee this process of change.

“The people want the prefects to be part of the nationalisation of other natural resources” he indicated.

In this process of change it is not only important to make structural changes but also to fundamentally attend to social demands, he added.

Morales urged the initiation of efforts to put an end to extreme poverty and called on business owners to help combat extreme poverty.

He also called on unions, miners and all social organisations to strengthen the democratic struggle. “We need to create the consciousness of the Bolivian people in order to consolidate the process of change” he said.

He pointed out that in Bolivia “there will not be any [white knight] that will save the Bolivian people. Only the consciousness of the people we save the people.”

This, he said, “makes me much more committed. We are going to work for the homeland, without personal interests, we should not only think about regions or sectors.”

He ratified his commitment with the people to search for equality between Bolivians and to continue to give dignity to all Bolivians.

“The dignity of all Bolivians is important. Bolivia fights for its dignity, unity and we hope that the will of the people will be heard by some opposition sectors”, he added.

With the slogan “Homeland or death! We will win!” Morales celebrated the popular participation in this festival of democracy.

Today Bolivia has lived through a historic day due to the spontaneous participation in this stage of deepening Bolivian democracy, through the recall referendum, indicated the head of state.

He noted that for the first time there was a referendum with massive participation in a peaceful manner.

According to Morales, Bolivians participated to renovate and improve these democratic spaces where authorities could be ratified or revoked.

This process, he said, is to consolidate a change. “We are here to continue advancing in the recuperation of natural resources, recuperation of companies and nationalisations.”

This mandate of the Bolivian people will be respected, applied in the different levels, sectors and regions of the country so that in this way Bolivia will change, have equality and dignity, emphasised the head of state.

Following the speech by the president, thousands of Bolivian celebrated with musical groups, fireworks and shouts of “Long live Evo” and “Evo, Evo”.

Morales was ratified in this post with more than 60% of the votes, but was not able to win in five regions in the country.